Singaraja- Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) received a visit from a delegation from Sogang University Seoul, Korea, Tuesday (19/7/2022). This visit was at the same time in the context of discussing the cooperation in the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, especially in the field of science.
The delegation consisted of Prof. Wonkoo Lee, Prof. Kwanwoo Shin, and Prof. Kwanghwan Jung. They were present with representatives from Sanata Dharma University, Prof. Lucia Wijayanti. His presence was received by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Cooperation of Undiksha, Dr. Gede Rasben Dantes, S.T., M.T.I. He, who represented the Chancellor, was accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Prof. Dr. I Nengah Suparta, M.Sc., and the Head of the Cooperation and Public Relations Agency, Made Windu Antara Kesiman, Ph.D., along with the staff.
On this occasion, Rasben Dantes expressed his appreciation for this visit. He also gave a brief description of the development of Undiksha and the various programs initiated. After the meeting, he stated that the essence of today’s visit was how to continue to improve the quality of science education in Indonesia through higher education institutions, especially those with the status of Teaching Personnel Education Institutions (LPTK). “Undiksha was chosen in this collaboration because we are a university that produces teaching and educational staff,” he explained.
This collaboration, continued by Rasben Dantes, will begin in March 2023 and continue for the next six years. This collaboration can provide opportunities for lecturers, laboratory assistants, and students to gain international experience, especially in academic fields that are different from those at Undiksha. “For example, lecturers can continue their education at Sogang University, as well as their students can take several courses there. Through this, we also hope to improve laboratory quality and have opportunities to improve laboratory quality,” he said.
Apart from this program, Rasben Dantes also proposed an initiation fast-track program, namely students studying for three years at Undiksha and two years at Sogang University. Through this program, students get bachelor’s and master’s degrees. “We have implemented this program with Ming Chi University of Technology, Taiwan,” he explained.
He added that this collaboration is based on the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, namely education and teaching, research, and community service. “Hopefully through this collaboration, we can improve the quality of each university,” concluded Rasben Dantes.
Meanwhile, the delegation from Sogang University, Prof. Wonkoo Lee explained that his party had collaborated with Semarang State University, Indonesian Education University, and Sanata Dharma University. It is hoped that this collaboration can be established with Undiksha in order to contribute to science education in Indonesia, including handling related issues.
According to him, there are many things that can be collaborated on in the future, such as empowering human resources, student and lecturer exchanges, as well as conducting studies, such as the environment, energy, and waters. He also welcomes suggestions for a fast-track program from Undiksha. He mentioned that through future cooperation, the universities could complement each other.
After the meeting, it was followed by a review of the chemical laboratory at the Undiksha Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. This visit was also accompanied by the laboratory manager. (hms)
